Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by nancy milford

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Although I am not a big fan of poetry, this was a fascinating read.

Edna St. Vincent Millay's life is more intriguing than most fiction. She was a complex and talented woman who defied the norms of her time.

Millay was a renowned poet, known for her passionate and often controversial works. Her poetry explored themes of love, desire, and feminism.

But her life was not without its challenges. She faced financial difficulties, personal tragedies, and the pressures of being a public figure.

Despite these obstacles, Millay continued to write and perform, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of literature.

Her story is one of perseverance, creativity, and the pursuit of truth. It is a story that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

Overall, reading about Millay's life has given me a new appreciation for her work and a deeper understanding of the woman behind the poetry.

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floryfede4ever

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I'm always fascinated by how writers lead their lives, for it is by no means an ordinary existence.

This particular instance was no different. Writers often have a unique perspective on the world around them, which is reflected in their work. Their lives are filled with inspiration, creativity, and a constant search for new ideas.

They may spend hours alone, lost in thought, or engage in intense research to bring their stories to life. The way they observe people, places, and events is often more profound than that of the average person.

Moreover, writers have to deal with the challenges of getting their work published and recognized. This requires perseverance, self-confidence, and the ability to handle criticism.

In conclusion, the life of a writer is a complex and fascinating one, full of both joys and sorrows. It is a life that is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, beauty, and the power of words.

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Emris

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Wish I could give 4.5 stars.

This is a fantastic biography. It is fascinating and exhaustively documented from start to finish.

A large part of this is because Edna St. Vincent Millay led such an extraordinary life and had such completely engrossing relationships while creating her classic poetry.

The reviewers on the book jacket describe her life as both "inspiring and cautionary", and that's very true.

There is a great deal of caution within these pages.

However, one can definitely say that Ms. Millay never shied away from living.

It's a great book that offers a detailed and engaging look into the life and works of this remarkable poet.

Readers will be captivated by her story and gain a deeper understanding of her art and the times in which she lived.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in poetry, biography, or the history of American literature.

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RedRockRun

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

There's a distinct tension that emerged within me as I delved into this biography.

On one hand, I truly enjoyed and valued certain aspects of it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Millay had not only been an extensive poetry writer but also had ventured into writing dramas and an opera libretto. This revelation made me realize that she was an even more multifaceted literary talent than I had initially presumed. Her contemporaneous popularity also came as a bit of a shock, yet I couldn't help but feel that the comparison to Byron was perhaps a bit of a stretch.

On the other hand, there were elements that I felt were either missing or overdone. The ending, for instance, was far too abrupt for my liking. Given the extent of her popularity, I would have greatly preferred to hear more about the response to her death. I did, however, deeply appreciate the degree of feminism she displayed, particularly in her response to the NYU honorary doctorate situation.

It's also worth noting that the Kindle version that I read unfortunately lacked the photos, which I believe could have added an extra dimension to my understanding of Millay and her life.

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oofek

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Nancy Milford's biography is a treasure trove of information about the renowned jazz age poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay.

It is filled with juicy details that reignite our fascination and appreciation for her.

Every section of the book is captivating, from her matrilineal lineage to her tumultuous childhood.

Her rise to fame with "Renascence" was meteoric, and her exploits at Vassar and with the Provincetown Players added to her allure.

Her romantic escapades with both sexes, national tours, and world travels make for a thrilling read.

However, her life was not without its challenges, including a deranged younger sister, morphine addiction, and hospitalizations.

Despite its length of over 500 pages, Milford's book leaves us wanting more in the best way possible.

It makes us yearn for more of Millay's love poems, war poems, free verse, and the company of her contemporaries like George Dillon, Sara Teasdale, and Baudelaire.

While Kathleen Millay may not have been the most pleasant person, she too was a part of Edna's story.

Overall, this biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of Edna St. Vincent Millay.

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100Penyamun

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I absolutely adored this biography. Even a month after reading it, I find myself constantly thinking about it. I had read a few of Millay's poems before, but I knew next to nothing about her. So, this book was like a fictional story that had me on the edge of my seat, wondering, "WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO EDNA?!?" The only difference was that it was her actual life.

The book brings up a plethora of interesting themes. There are the sister/mother dynamics, which add a layer of complexity to her relationships. Ambition is another prominent theme, as Millay strived to make a name for herself in the world of poetry. The contrast between selfishness/freedom and dependency in romantic relationships is also explored, showing the challenges she faced in her personal life. Her unwavering devotion to writing and poetry is evident throughout the book, as is her bohemian lifestyle. Additionally, the theme of love for home and country versus restlessness and the expat life is a fascinating one.

I truly believe that Millay lived life to the fullest, for better or for worse. She squeezed every last drop of juice out of her experiences, and it makes for a captivating read. The time period in which she lived, from 1852 to 1950, was also an incredibly interesting one, filled with social and cultural changes. Overall, this biography is a must-read for anyone interested in Millay's life and work, or in the history of the early 20th century.

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Smugman

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Even though this took me forever to read, it was truly lovely.

Nancy Milford has done an absolutely incredible job of masterfully weaving the story of Edna St Vincent Millay’s life. It almost feels as if it is a work of fiction, but of course, that is also because the life lived by Millay was so extremely unusual and extraordinary.

She defied social norms, captivating the hearts of both men and women alike. She had a remarkable talent for writing beautiful poetry that touched the souls of many. However, her life also took a tragic turn as she spiraled downwards.

She truly lived the life that was described in her most well-known poem: “my candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night. But ah my foes, and oh my friends, it gives a lovely light!” Her story is one that is both fascinating and heartbreaking, a testament to the complexity and beauty of the human experience.

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Okamii_JA

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This is the second time I've picked up this particular work and started reading, only to be intimidated by the subject matter and put it aside. Biographies, in general, pose a challenge for me to read. They often make me feel a sense of guilt for simply reading instead of actively doing something.

In this specific case, the biographer has taken great care to draw parallels across three generations, culminating with Edna Vincent Millay. The book begins by delving into the lives of Vincent's mother and grandmother, establishing the life that is to come as a continuation of the threads of talent and determination. The biographer skillfully enmeshes the reader in the life of the family, thereby pulling you into the story.

Millay's story is both dense and fascinating, moving along at a brisk pace. This is due in part to Ms. Mitford's generous use of section breaks and the inclusion of several poems. Her prose is rich with the dense imagery of poetry and detailed exegesis, which is greatly appreciated as it gives the reader time to absorb the information.

Since completing the book, I have looked up several poets and authors mentioned in addition to Millay. This work has not only been a good read but also a gateway to a greater enjoyment of literature.

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Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay

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